Who is eligible?
The main goal of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) services is employment. Whether you're currently employed or not, your eligibility for VR services is based on your unique situation.
After applying, you'll meet with a VR counselor. Feel free to bring a friend or family member. During this meeting, we'll discuss your career goals, work history, education, and disability to determine your eligibility for OVR's vocational rehabilitation services.
Eligibility is usually determined within 60 days. If assessments are needed to determine your eligibility, OVR can assist with that. To be eligible, you must meet the following four criteria:
- You have a disability.
- Your disability makes it difficult for you to get or keep a job.
- You can benefit from OVR's services.
- You need OVR's services to secure or maintain employment suitable for you.
What is competitive integrated employment?
Work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is:
- Compensated at or above minimum wage and comparable to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience;
- Receiving the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions;
- At a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities; and
- Presented opportunities for advancement similar to other employees without disabilities in similar positions.
What are “core” vocational rehabilitation services?
Core services include counseling and guidance, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or physical impairment, job training, job-related services, and rehabilitation technology. At least one core service must be included as part of a client’s individualized plan for employment to justify provision of supportive services.
How much does it cost to receive services from OVR?
The following services are available to all eligible individuals at no cost: assessments to determine eligibility and rehabilitation needs; counseling, guidance and referral services; and job search and placement assistance. Based on the individual’s available financial resources, a client may help pay for some services.
What is a substantial impediment to employment?
A substantial impediment to employment means that a person’s disability makes it much harder for them to get, keep, or do well in a job.
In plain terms, it means the disability creates real challenges that interfere with working successfully. For example, someone might have difficulty with memory, mobility, communication, or stamina in ways that prevent them from finding or keeping employment without extra support.
It does not mean the person cannot ever work. It means that because of their disability, they need vocational rehabilitation services, training, accommodations, or other supports to overcome those barriers and achieve employment.
Example: A person with a traumatic brain injury may struggle to remember multi-step instructions, making it hard to complete job tasks accurately without support or adapted training.
What kind of disabilities do you work with?
OVR works with people with all types of physical, mental, or emotional disabilities who are willing and able to work. Most people know we serve individuals with physical disabilities, such as deafness, spinal cord injury, visual impairments, Multiple Sclerosis, etc. However, many of the people in the program do not have a physical disability. For example, they may have emotional problems, learning disabilities, a history of substance or alcohol abuse (must be in recovery and abstinent; we do not provide treatment), intellectual and developmental disabilities, etc.
Can I still be eligible if I am working?
Yes. For example, if your disability is:
- causing you problems at work
- progressing and you can no longer do your current job
- causing you to be underemployed
Does everyone with a disability who applies get served?
No. OVR is an eligibility program. If you are not eligible, we will tell you in writing. We may refer you to other agencies and organizations that may be able to help you.
What services will I get?
We can answer this question once we know more about you and what you need to become employed. Services you receive will depend on what you and your VR counselor agree in writing (called your Individualized Employment Plan) are needed to help you become employed. Everyone gets counseling and guidance at each step of the vocational rehabilitation program. This service helps you better understand your potential, set realistic job goals, change your job goal when needed, and learn good work habits. Some services (such as counseling and guidance) are free. You will pay for other services based on your ability to pay. OVR funds cannot be used when another funding source, such as medical insurance or federal student financial aid, is available to you. We may help you find other funding sources.